Faith and Depression

Rev Ian Dubery

Overview Examples from the Bible- People who suffered

from Depression Types and symptoms of Depression Misconceptions regarding Faith and

Depression Utelizing your Faith regarding Depression The importance of Prayer

Examples from the Bible People who suffered from depression

Gideon Joseph Judas JoshuaSaul Jacob Legio ElijahDavid Pharaoh Mary MagdalenJob Moses Jonah JeremiahIsaiah Cain Jesus etc...Ezekiel Hiskia HerodSamsonNehemia AbsalomPaul Hosea JacobNoah Peter Esau

1 Cor 13:13

“In a word, there are three things that last for ever: Faith, Hope, and Love; but the greatest of them all is love”

Ps 42+43“how deep I am sunk in misery, groaning in my

distress: yet I will wait for God; I will praise him continually, my deliverer, my God”

Types of Depression Chronic Major Atypical Regular Bipolar 1 & 2 Seasonal Psychotic Postpartum Postmortem

Symptoms of Depression Sadness Hopelessness Low self esteem Shame Guilt Low energy Insomnia Lack of interest/energy –work; sex; FAITH;

activities; apetite etc...

Misconceptions regarding Faith and Depression

Christians do not get depressedIt is a choiceOnly true faith will heal depressionDepression is caused by demonsDepression is caused by sinDepression only takes effect in spiritual immature peopleIf I have faith I can be depressed all I wantPeople who commit suicide are doomed for hellYou have depression because your ancestors did something wrongI’m responsible for...my sister not getting better... I didn’t do

enough...etc.I’m not worth being helped

Utelizing your faith regarding Depression

Trust God Phil. 4:11-13,19“not that I am alluding to want, for I have learned to find

resources in myself whatever my circumstances. I know what it is to be brought low, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have been very thoroughly initiated into the human lot with all its ups and downs- fullness and hunger, plenty and want. I have strength for anything through him who gives me power.

And my God will supply all your wants out of the magnificence of his riches in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for endless ages. Amen”

Utelizing your faith regarding Depression

Expect te be discouraged Is 43 Be aware of causes leading to depression

2 Cor. 1: 4“He comforts us in all our troubles, so that we in

turn may be able to comfort others in any trouble of theirs and to share with them the consolation we ourselves recieve from God”

Learn to manage anger and guilt

Utelizing your faith regarding Depression

Question thoughts Phil 4:8“and now, my friends, all that is true, all that is

noble, all that is just and pure, all that is lovable and gracious, whatever is excellent and admirable- fill all your thoughts with these things”

Techniques to standing firm- control Get support- Emile Durkheim Reach out and help yourself in the process Encourage physical/spiritual fitness

Utelizing your faith regarding Depression

Utelizing your faith regarding Depression

Utelizing your faith regarding Depression

Utelizing your faith regarding Depression

Utelizing your faith regarding DepressionContemplating Suicide:

The importance of Prayer Prayer is treasured by God Prayer brings intimacy between you and God through

communication God wants us to pray God brings change through prayer Prayers show God’s power Prayer is important to God Jesus is our example and teaches us to pray- Mt 6:9-

13 

Exodus 15:26 “For I the Lord am your healer”